AJ Davila featuring Benjamin Booker - "Always Something"

Photo via Instagram

I'm not familiar with Puerto Rico's AJ Davila or his band Davila 666, but since his new single features Benjamin Booker, I obviously have to at least check it out. "Always Something" is a killer jangle pop song with some serious 1960's vibes. It's on the poppier side of the garage rock spectrum. It's not all sugary sunshine with "Always Something." Davila injects just enough of an edge in the song to keep it interesting. Plus, Booker's guitarwork has been missed around here, so it's great to get some more even if it's just as a guest star.

You can watch the video for "Always Something" below. The song is available now as a single via Hotel Records. For more on AJ Davila, check out the artist's Twitter and Instagram.

Punkband - "Narcoist"

Photo via Facebook

I can't find out much about the latest single from Punkband, so we're just going to go on how it sounds. The four piece band features a lead singer, drummer, and two bass players, so it has a pretty unique bass heavy sound. "Narcoist" is just spilling over with anger and aggression. With how much noise is involved and the two bass player sound, it's almost like a mixture of Girls Against Boys and The Jesus Lizard with a little hip hop thrown in. It's heavy as hell and defies most punk expectations and tropes. "Narcoist" is one of the most exciting punk songs we've heard in a while, and we'll be following Punkband closely.

You can watch the video for "Narcoist" below. The single can be found here. For more on Punkband, check out their website.

Margaret Glaspy - "My Body My Choice"

Photo by Josh Goleman

It's obvious what the latest song from Margaret Glaspy is about based on the title. "My Body My Choice" is a protest song written in the wake of the Supreme Court overturning Roe v Wade. It's a bluesy song telling the stories of three women making the choices they have determined are right for themselves. It's the kind of song that can suck you in without you even realizing it's a protest song. You could easily hear this being played in a coffee shop and be grooving on it before noticing how vital and of the moment the song is.

Margaret Glaspy says of her new song:

“‘My Body My Choice,’ is a song of protest. Taking away resources from people who need abortions only leaves them with unsafe alternatives, and no one should be forced to experience that. It is absolutely necessary for any person who can give birth to consent to their own pregnancy. It feels absurd that we are still fighting this fight, but here we are. It’s your body, so it should be your choice.”

You can listen to "My Body My Choice" below. The song is available as a single via ATO Records with a portion of the proceeds going to The Brigid Alliance. For more on Margaret Glaspy, check out the artist's website.

Vandoliers - "Howlin'"

"Your favorite punk band's favorite country band" Vandoliers are leaning heavily into the world of country on their latest single. "Howlin'" may be love song and power ballad, but it's the country punk version of one. As country as it is, there is a ton of power behind it. This is the edgiest country power ballad you've ever heard, although it's pretty mainstream for a coutry punk song. I've been waiting for years for Vandoliers to come up to New England so I can get a chance to see them live, but "Howlin'" is the kind of song that makes me that much more desperate. It's just the kind of song that is begging for a loud sing-a-long.

You can watch the video for "Howlin'" below. The Vandoliers is due out August 12 on Amerikinda Records. The album can be pre-saved/pre-ordered here. For more on Vandoliers, check out the band's website.

VAZUM - "Angel"

Detroit deathgaze duo VAZUM are back with a new single, and if you've ever liked any version of goth or dark music, this one is made for you. "Angel" is a fast song that also combines elements of shoegaze and punk, but you're going to hear elements of all of your favorite goth and goth related bands here. There are hints of Depeche Mode, Ministry, Joy Division, Bauhaus, and everyone else here. The song is propelled by the music which just plows ahead straight at you like an out of control train, with vocals that are a few steps slower and give the track its moody feel. We've liked what we've heard from VAZUM in the past, but "Angel" is next level great.

You can listen to "Angel" below. The song is currently available as a single on Bandcamp. For more on VAZUM, check out the band's Facebook and Twitter. Upcoming tour dates are below the song.

7/9 Royal Oak, MI - Bowlero 
7/13 Pittsburgh, PA - The Forge
7/14 Philadelphia, PA - The Fire
7/15 Columbus, OH - Spacebar
7/16 Akron, OH - Tune Temple 
7/20 Louisville, KY - Art Sanctuary 
7/21 Milwaukee, WI - Bremen Cafe
7/22 Chicago, IL - The Burlington

James Joyce The Squatch - "Hubert Cumberdale"

Image via Facebook

Brooklyn's James Joyce The Squatch has one of the most unique takes on hip hop in years. His latest single, "Hubert Cumberdale," isn't trying to completely reinvent hip hop. The production on the song is minimal, but in a haunting way. The beats take the forefront musically, but they're over this haunting sample of an instrument I can't quite place, but it's decidedly non-traditionally hip hop. James Joyce The Squatch somehow sounds like all three Geto Boys mashed up when he's rapping. Plus, with the song being a tribute to a puppet from the animated web series Salad Fingers, the entire package is just slightly disconcerting, but it's obviously meant to be. "Hubert Cumberdale" is an interesting one that will have you searching for more on James Joyce The Squatch.

You can watch the video for "Hubert Cumberdale" below. For more on James Joyce The Squatch, check out the artist on Facebook and Twitter.

Mint Green Covers Yeah Yeah Yeahs

Photo via Facebook

We've been supporters of Mint Green for a few years now. The Boston band have mastered this phenomenal blend of angsty pop that occasionally borders on punk, although they've been leaning more heavily into pop territory lately. Their covers have been stellar as well, and their latest is a take on Yeah Yeah Yeahs iconic "Maps." Sure, "Maps" is the obvious Yeah Yeah Yeahs cover, but that's because it's a ridiculously great song. Mint Green's cover is almost perfectly spot on. When I first started playing it, I barely noticed that it wasn't the original. Mint Green singer/guitarist Ronnica sounds shockingly similar to Karen O, and even the guitar work and drums are spot on. Occaionally Ronnica adds in some original vocal flourishes, but this might be the most faithful cover we've ever brought you.

You can watch the video for Mint Green's cover of "Maps" below. It was recorded at JK Not Kidding Studios for Bird Fight Records. For more on Mint Green, check out the band's Facebook and Twitter.

Walter Sickert & The Army of Broken Toys - "Goth Beach"

One of my favorite things about Walter Sickert & The Army of Broken Toys is their sense of pure joy. Of all the songs we've covered of theirs, none have been more fun than their latest, "Goth Beach." It's a throwback to all of your favorite 60's beach songs, just a little heavier and steam-crunky. This is a joyously rockin' song about smoking a spliff with Robert Smith, Bauhaus bikinis, spf 666 sunscreen, a shark smoking cloves, and more. Sometimes, especially now, you just need a fun and silly rock song to help get you through. If you've ever wanted to hear goth surf guitar paired with metal viola playing, "Goth Beach" is your dream song. And if you haven't, this is still the song of the summer.

You can watch the video for "Goth Beach" below. The song is currently available for download over at Bandcamp. For more on Walter Sickert & The Army of Broken Toys, check out the artist's website.

First Listen: New Releases and Missed Music from 1 July 2022

Artist: Fern Maddie
Album: Ghost Story
Quick Thoughts: We missed this one from June, but my goodness is this great. Ghost Story feels like the near-perfect combination of Americana with Irish folk music, and the beauty of this record as a result cannot be understated. A Vermont native, songs like "Hare on the Mountain" or "The Maid on the Shore" will haunt you in all the right ways. Just a stellar listen across the board, do not miss out on this one.
Songs of Note: "The Maid on the Shore," "Green Grass Growing," "Ca' the Yowes"

Artist: Ghost Woman
Album: Ghost Woman
Quick Thoughts: Psych rock can be very hit-or-miss for me, and Ghost Woman hits. The sound is pure, the songwriting interesting, and the whole package is one that sticks with you long after it's done. I really enjoyed this listen, and if you're into this particular subset of indie music, give this a shot.
Songs of Note: "All the Time," "Clockwork"

Artist: Naima Bock
Album: Giant Palm
Quick Thoughts: Naima Bock was previously part of Goat Girl, and this debut full-length builds on a lot of that foundation. There's a starkness to this that I didn't expect, but it's accessible enough without abandoning the left-of-center approach many of us jumped onto the Goat Girl bandwagon for. This would be a highlight in a busy week, but you should make time for it no matter what.
Songs of Note: "Toll," "Working," "Instrumental"

Artist: Jasmyn
Album: In the Wild
Quick Thoughts: Wanted to highlight this indie record from a former member of Weaves, which balances the line between traditionally melodic and a little experimental near-perfectly. There's a lot to love here, and I hope this finds a broad audience. Add this to the rotation.
Songs of Note: "Crystal Ball," "Edge of Time," "Happy Tarot," "Purple Reflections"

Of note:

* Adwaith - Bato Mato (Solid Welsh language indie.)
* Gwenno - Treson (Former Pipette in an all-Cornish album.)
* Rococobra Quartet - Living Isn't Easy (A fascinating indie/jazz/prog hybrid.)
* Hether - play it pretty
* Tomer Baruch - Synthesized Sounds of the Sea
* Lil Texas - FASTER
* The Range - Mercury
* Bats - Blue Cabinet
* Fresh - Raise Hell
* Naomi Alligator - Double Knot
* Guided by Voices - Tremblers and Goggles by Rank
* Eric Hilton - Lost Dialect
* Onyx and Stasevich - Stasevich Beats 1993
* Teddy and the Roguh Riders - Teddy and the Rough Riders

EPs:

* The Early Mays - Prettiest Blue
* Winter Wolf - Unwell
* GoGo Penguin - Between Two Waves
* Swan Meat - Blood Supernova
* Tomaga - Extended Play 2
* Los Dedos - March of the Crabs
*Lotic - Sparkling Water
* Bull - Stuck Between the Virtual and Physical World
* Nick Cave - Seven Psalms
* Abbie Ozard - Water Based Lullabies

Live albums/Compilations/Reissues:

* CMAT - If My Wife New I'd Be Dead (Deluxe)
* Songs of Townes Van Zandt, Vol. III
* Minions: The Rise of Gru (Soundtrack)

Also out:

* Oahk - Tiny Husks

Martha Spencer - "Enchantress"

I'll be completely honest with you on the new song from Martha Spencer. I wasn't sure how I felt about it at first. I couldn't tell if I was enjoying it, or even if it was any good. But... I was oddly intrigued. Hailing from the mountains of Virginia, Spencer has created an odd little song that is in the territory of traditional folk, but with her own unique spin on it. I'm tempted to call it twee or quirky, except that "Enchantress" has far too dark of a vibe for that. This is a dark Appalachian folk song delivered in a lighthearted and fun way which makes it that much darker. Even if you're not sold on "Enchantress" right away, give it a few listens to settle.

You can watch the video for "Enchantress" below. Wonderland is due out September 2 on Gingham Rose/Karpe Diem Music. The album can be pre-ordered through Bandcamp. For more on Martha Spencer, check out the artist's website.